Mabhuti Khenyeza at Golden Arrows, now stepped down claiming the environment in toxic. Image: Elite Perspective.
(The Post News)- According to reports, Mabhuti Khenyeza resigned as Golden Arrows’ co-coach because of persistent conflicts and a purportedly poisonous workplace.
Having played for the team on several occasions, the former Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, and Mamelodi Sundowns striker felt that his job was being obstructed, making it challenging for him to perform his tasks efficiently. At the time, Khenyeza was co-coaching alongside Kagisho Dikgacoi and Musa Bilankulu. With 13 points from eight games, he departs the team in sixth place in the Betway Premiership standings.
When the team competed in the Motsepe Foundation Championship in 2015, Khenyeza returned to the Durban-based team after having departed Arrows for Chiefs in 2007. Under coach Shaun Bartlett, he helped propel Arrows back into the top division by winning the PSL promotion.
Then, in 2016, he departed because he apparently did not agree with Clinton Larsen, the coach at the time. After finishing his playing career at AmaZulu in 2018, he joined Maritzburg United (now Durban City) as Muhsin Ertugral’s assistant coach.
After that, he rejoined AmaZulu as an assistant coach. He later worked as TS Galaxy’s DStv Challenge coach until rejoining Arrows in 2021. Before the former Orlando Pirates defender was fired in March 2022 after a 6-0 thumping by Sundowns, he was Lehlohonolo Seema’s assistant coach.
Together with Vusi Vilakazi, Khenyeza concluded the 2021–2022 season as co-caretaker. Steve Komphela moved to join Sundowns at the beginning of this season, but Khenyeza stayed behind and worked with him after Vilakazi left in September 2023. According to reports, Khenyeza expressed dissatisfaction with his position at the club and indicated he was searching for a fresh challenge outside of Arrows.
Being one of the rare players with more than 100 goals, Khenyeza, 42, was one of the best attackers in the PSL. In front of FIFA officials, including then-President Sepp Blatter, he scored the fastest goal (19 seconds) in the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Chiefs in November 2007 at Kings Park Stadium, ahead of the 2010 World Cup preliminary draw in Durban.
For this, he will always be remembered. Khenyeza achieved another significant accomplishment in the 2008–09 season when he scored twice to help Ajax Cape Town defeat the Pirates at Chatsworth Stadium and win the Carling Knockout.
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